Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara City was filled with excitement as thousands gathered to welcome Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) NRM, for a grand Iftar dinner.
A Historic Event of Unity and Faith
Following the success of the Kampala Street Iftar, this event brought together Muslims and leaders from different political parties, including the National Resistance Movement (NRM), National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and the Patriot League of Uganda. The gathering demonstrated Hajjat Namyalo’s commitment to national unity beyond political affiliations.
Former Mbarara Mayor and NRM Chairperson, His Worship Emeritus Bishop Willy Tumwine, praised the initiative, noting that over 14,000 people attended. He commended the organizers for their efforts in bringing together key religious and political leaders.
Religious Leaders Commend Hajjat Namyalo
Sheikh Abdullah Muhammad Mukwaya, Mbarara’s District Kadhi, expressed gratitude for Hajjat Namyalo’s generosity toward the Muslim community. "Thank you, Hajjat Namyalo, for thinking of Mbarara. You are a special blessing from Allah. May He grant you good health," he said. He also invited her to be the chief guest at the upcoming Mbarara Qadh Run 2025, scheduled for April 13, 2025.
Sheikh Mukwaya further reminded her about President Museveni’s 2017 pledge of UGX 250 million to support a Muslim radio station in western Uganda. “Hajjat, President Museveni promised this support, but we have yet to receive it. Please remind him on our behalf,” he urged.
Hajjat Namyalo’s Call for Peace and Development
In her address, Hajjat Namyalo thanked the event organizers, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and leaders from different parties for their support. She emphasized the importance of unity and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.
“This is a time for unity. Let us come together for the good of Mbarara and the Ankole region. This area has great potential,” she said. She also called for an end to political violence, urging people to focus on economic growth.
“Let us avoid bloodshed. We all want wealth, but we must remember that everything in this world is temporary. Peace and harmony are key. We are now in President Museveni’s era of stability and economic growth,” she emphasized.
Hajjat Namyalo also acknowledged the need for the proposed radio station to support education and cultural development in western Uganda. She assured the audience that she would remind President Museveni about his pledge.
With the successful Mbarara Iftar dinner, Hajjat Namyalo continues to strengthen ties between the government and the people, promoting unity, faith, and national development.